Valence electrons the electrons that are in the highest (outermost) energy level that level is also called the valence shell of the atom they are held most loosely

The number of valence electrons in an atom determines: The properties of the atom The way that atom will bond chemically As a rule, the fewer electrons in the valence shell, the more reactive the element is. When an atom has eight electrons in the valence shell, it is stable.

Atoms usually react in a way that makes each atom more stable. There are two ways this can happen: The number of valence electrons increases to eight Loosely held valence electrons are given up

A chemical bond is the force of attraction that holds two atoms together as a result of the rearrangement of electrons between them. There are two types of chemical bonds: Ionic (transfer of electrons) Covalent (sharing of electron pairs)

Ionic bonds are formed between METALS and NONMETALS. Positive Ions are called Cations (Cat-ions) Generally formed by METALS Negative Ions are called Anions (An-ions) Generally formed by NONMETALS Name of nonmetal change on end to -ide Example: Sodium ion (Sodium) + Chlorine Ion (Chloride) = Sodium Chloride Na(+) + Cl(-) + NaCl

Group #Group Name# of valence electrons 1Alkali Metals1 2Alkaline Earth Metals2 3-12Transition Metals1 or 2 13Boron Group3 14Carbon Group4 15Nitrogen Group5 16Oxygen Group6 17Halogens7 18Noble Gases8 Please copy this chart in your notes!!

Electron Dot Diagrams are drawings that include the chemical symbol for the element surrounded by dots. Each dot stands for one valence electron. These are also sometimes called Lewis Dot Diagrams.

All atoms want a full valence shell (because that is how they become stable!) So, they will share or transfer electrons with other atoms to achieve stability. Negative ions form when atoms gain electrons. Positive ions form when atoms lose electrons.

Steps for drawing an Electron Dot Diagram 1. Write the element’s chemical symbol 2. Look on the periodic table to see what group the element is in 3. Use the chart in your notes to determine how many valence electrons the element has 4. Draw the dots around the chemical symbol starting at the top and moving clockwise around the symbol

Na Mg Si Cl O As Xe